The Ultimate Online Video Poker Guide for 2023

Your Complete Online Video Poker Guide, From basic game rules to advanced strategies and terminology, this guide covers it all. Get a thorough overview of the game, learn about different video poker variants, read tips, try free video poker, and find the top online casinos for real money as reviewed and ranked by experts.

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Overview

Video poker has come a long way from its origins in dimly-lit bars and casinos. Today, it's one of the most popular games on casino floors and online. The transition of video poker to the digital world has allowed players to experience the excitement of hitting a big win while playing at their own pace, away from the hustle and bustle of live casinos.

The game combines a slot machine and five-card draw poker, and it's easy to learn and play. There are also many variations, such as Deuces Wild, Jack or Better, and Joker's Wild, that add to the excitement of the game. With high RTP (return to player) rates, players can earn big wins.

This guide is your go-to resource for all things video poker. Learn about the history of the game, the pros and cons, different variations, and the terminology you'll encounter. We also provide tips and strategies to improve your gameplay and a FAQ section to answer common questions. Everything you need to know about playing video poker online is here, so keep reading to discover more.

Pros & Cons

Pros
Massive game variations
Super easy to learn and play
Low minimum bets
Low house edges
Cons
The Average RTP of video poker machine is only 97%

History

Video poker has roots in Europe, where the original poker game originated. However, in the 1970s, when computers began to take over American casinos, video poker took off. Si Redd, an employee at Bally Technologies, was responsible for creating this new concept but was initially met with resistance from company executives. Determined to see his idea come to fruition, Redd started his own company, Sircoma, which later became the multi-billion dollar company International Game Technology (IGT).

Despite initial skepticism, video poker finally found its way into Las Vegas casinos after nearly a decade of perseverance. The game was based on the draw version of poker, but it was the version called Jacks or Better, which required a player to have at least two jacks in their hand, that became the most popular and remains the most widely played version today.

The explosion of the internet has played a significant role in the widespread popularity of video poker. It's now a global phenomenon, not just limited to casinos. With the advent of online casinos, the game can be played by anyone, anywhere, at any time.

 


Rules

Video poker is a relatively straightforward game compared to other forms of poker. All versions use a standard 52-card deck, except for Joker Wild, which includes a joker card. The game begins by placing a wager and pressing the deal button, which deals out five cards. The player then has the option to discard or hold certain cards, and the machine replaces the discarded cards with new ones until the player has their final hand. The chances of winning depend on the last hand.

The ranking of cards in all versions of video poker is the same, but the payout ratios may vary. Typically, the highest ranking hand is a Royal Flush, followed by a straight flush, four-of-a-kind, full house, flush, and straight. The lowest ranking hands are three of a kind, two pairs, and one pair of jacks or better.
Unlike other casino games, video poker has only two possible outcomes: a loss or a win. The game can have a payout rate as high as 99.5%, and players can make a profit with no house advantage.

 


Video Poker Hands:

In video poker, the ranking of hands is similar to traditional poker. The highest ranking hand is a Royal Flush, which consists of an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit. This is followed by a Straight Flush, which is any five cards of the same suit in consecutive order.

Next is Four of a Kind, four cards of the same rank, such as four Aces. Next, a Full House is three cards of the same level and two of another rank. Finally, a Flush is any five cards of the same suit, and a Straight is any five cards in consecutive order regardless of the suit.

Three of a Kind is three cards of the same rank, followed by Two Pairs, two cards of one rank, and two cards of another. Finally, one Pair is two cards of the same rank, and the lowest ranking hand is a High Card, which is any hand that does not meet the criteria for any of the above hands.

In summary:

  1. Royal Flush
  2. Straight Flush
  3. Four of a Kind
  4. Full House
  5. Flush
  6. Straight
  7. Three of a Kind
  8. Two Pairs
  9. One Pair
  10. High Card 

Remember that the hand ranking may vary depending on the version of video poker you are playing.

 

 


Popular Terms

Video poker is a blend of old and new terms that gives it a unique flavor. Here are some standard terms you'll encounter when playing the game:

  • Action: Refers to the total amount wagered by a player in a game.
  • Bet Max: A wager of five coins per hand.
  • Discard: Cards rejected by the player after the initial deal.
  • Flush: A hand in which all five cards belong to the same suit.
  • Four of a Kind: A hand in which all four cards have the same value.
  • Full-House: A hand containing a pair and three of a kind.
  • Hand: The cards dealt to the player by the machine.
  • Hold: Cards accepted by the player after the initial deal.
  • Jackpot: The highest bonus can be achieved for a royal flush.
  • Pair: Two cards of the same value, such as two jacks or two twos.
  • Pay Back: The projected payout ratio of a game, calculated from statistics for millions of hands.
  • Payout: The amount awarded to the player for one hand.
  • Pay Table: A listing of payouts for every scenario displayed on the screen.
  • Royal Flush: The best possible hand in video poker, consisting of an ace-high flush of the same suit.
  • Straight: Five consecutive cards, such as 1-5.
  • Straight Flush: A straight that contains all cards of the same suit.
  • Winning Hand: A hand that pays out a winning combination.

Tips

As you become more experienced with video poker, you may want to take your gameplay to the next level. Here are some tips to help you sharpen your skills and improve your chances of winning:

Terms

Navigating the terminology used in online video poker can be challenging. To make things easier, we've compiled a list of commonly used terms to help you understand the video poker landscape. Familiarize yourself with these terms, and soon you'll be ready to dive in and play confidently.

Video Poker Glossary

Video Poker Types

A beginner's overview of the top variations of video poker games:

Classic Video Poker

This is the standard game version, featuring the standard 52-card deck and gameplay based on five-card draw poker.

All Aces

A variation of video poker that pays out higher for hands that include Aces.

Aces and Eights

A variation of video poker pays out higher for hands that include Aces and Eights.

High-Speed Poker

A variation of video poker that features faster gameplay and deals, allowing players to play more hands in less time.

Bonus Deuces Wild

A video poker variation that includes deuces as wild cards and features a bonus paytable for certain hand combinations.

Double Double Bonus Poker

A video poker variation that features increased payouts for certain hand combinations, such as Four of a Kind.

Double Joker

A video poker variation that includes two joker cards as wild cards.

Jacks or Better

A variation of video poker that pays out for hands, including a pair of jacks or higher.

Tens or Better

A variation of video poker that pays out for hands that include a pair of tens or higher.

Deuces Wild

A variation of video poker where all the deuces are wild cards.

Aces and Faces

A variation of video poker where hands that include Aces and Face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) pay a higher rate.

Bonus Poker

A variation of video poker that features a bonus paytable for certain hand combinations.

Joker’s Wild

A video poker variation that includes a joker card as a wild card.

All American

A video poker variation paying higher for certain hand combinations, such as straights and flushes.

Poker Pursuit

A variation of video poker that features a progressive jackpot for certain hand combinations.

SuperJax

A variation of video poker that features a progressive jackpot for a hand of four jacks or higher.

Mega Jacks

A variation of video poker that features a progressive jackpot for a hand of four jacks or higher.

Louisiana Double Poker

A variation of video poker that allows players to double their winnings by guessing the suit of a hidden card. It is also known as "Double or Nothing Poker," where you can gamble your winnings by guessing the next card's color. If you guess right you will win double the amount otherwise, you will lose the winnings.

2-Ways Royal

A variation of video poker where the player can get a payout for a hand of two high-suited cards, such as two queens or two kings of the same suit.

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FAQ

Video poker is a casino game that is based on five-card draw poker. It is played on a computerized console similar to a slot machine.

Playing video poker starts by placing a wager and then pressing the deal button. The machine deals with five cards; you can discard or hold certain cards. The engine replaces the discarded cards with new ones, and your final hand is determined. The payout is based on the ranking of your final hand.

Some popular video poker variations include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker's Wild, and Bonus Poker. These variations have different payout structures and rules, but the basic gameplay remains the same.

Video poker is considered a game of skill because the player's decisions can influence the outcome. By following optimal strategies, players can increase their chances of winning.

A variety of online casinos offer video poker for real money. It's essential to ensure that the casino is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority and check the payout percentages and game variations before playing.

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